ATR is working on a maintenance programme to extend the life of its versatile ATR 42 and ATR 72 regional turboprops. The Franco-Italian manufacturer, based in the shadows of Airbus' expanding empire at Toulouse, in southern France, has launched an 'Ageing Structures Programme' for the 50- and 70-seat aircraft with the eventual goal of extending the objective design life of both models from an original 70,000 to 105,000 cycles. Based on an average yearly utilisation of 2,500 flight hours, this will represent an economic life of over 40 years for the airframe. According to the manufacturer, the programme was launched as a result of the work undertaken by ATR airframe engineers, working with customers and Airworthiness Authorities, which has demonstrated the excellent resistance to ageing of the ATR airframe. The life extension programme is also expected to further improve the economic and operational performance of the aircraft by extending overhaul intervals. Details of the life extension programme have been submitted for approval to the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) but in the meantime a task group has been formed with the participation of 12 airlines and five aviation authorities to supervise the development of programme activities in accordance with certification rules.
http://www.atr.fr